Cuban Border Guards Fire on Florida Boat, Killing Four in Shootout

A deadly confrontation between Cuban border guards and a civilian speedboat from Florida has left four people dead and seven others wounded. The incident occurred after the vessel entered Cuban territorial waters near the island of Falcones Key, in Villa Clara province, approximately 160 kilometers from Florida.

According to a statement from Cuba's Ministry of the Interior, border patrol approached the boat for identification. The ministry alleges that a passenger on the speedboat opened fire first, wounding the commander of the patrol vessel and prompting guards to return fire.

The Cuban government identified the boat by its Florida registration number, FL7726SH. Authorities stated that ten armed individuals were aboard and that preliminary statements from detainees indicated their intent was to "carry out a penetration for terrorist purposes." The passengers were described as Cubans residing in the United States.

Following the shootout, six people on the speedboat were injured and are receiving medical care. Cuban officials reported seizing automatic rifles, pistols, and Molotov cocktails from the vessel. They further claimed that two of the surviving passengers had previously been sought by Cuba on terrorism charges.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the incident, stating that the U.S. Embassy in Havana is investigating. "We are going to find out exactly what happened here, and then we will take appropriate measures," Rubio said.

This violent encounter unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Washington and Havana. The U.S. Has maintained pressure on Cuba, including accusations related to national security threats and restrictions aimed at curtailing oil shipments to the island nation.